News Desk
MUMBAI— During his State Visit to India, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu addressed a gathering of prominent business leaders at the Tourism and Trade Promotion event in Mumbai. His speech underscored the growing bond between India and the Maldives, particularly through the tourism sector, and highlighted key opportunities for deeper collaboration in trade and investment.
President Muizzu opened by noting the close ties between the two nations, citing that almost 100,000 Indian tourists visited the Maldives this year alone, making India one of the top source markets for the island nation. “Tourism is not just about travel; it’s about building bridges, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting peaceful coexistence among nations,” he said, stressing that tourism remains central to this evolving partnership.
For four consecutive years, the Maldives has held the title of the World’s Leading Destination, an accolade that President Muizzu attributed to the country’s pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and unmatched hospitality. He also recognized India’s crucial role in this success, with Indian travelers viewing the Maldives as a favored destination to unwind and recharge.
President Muizzu spoke about the future of this relationship, emphasizing the potential to cater to Indian travelers seeking diverse experiences. He outlined plans to develop niche sectors like ecotourism, wellness tourism, and MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions). Additionally, he invited Bollywood to consider the Maldives as a prime location for film productions, pointing out the unique appeal of the Maldives’ natural beauty for the film industry.
The President also highlighted the country’s commitment to improving infrastructure to meet growing demand. He pointed to the transformation of Velana International Airport and Hanimaadhoo International Airport, both set to be completed by next year, as critical steps in enhancing travel to and from the Maldives. These developments, he said, will not only increase capacity but also improve the overall visitor experience, cementing the Maldives as a regional travel hub.
Speaking directly to potential investors, President Muizzu emphasized that the Maldives is ripe with investment opportunities, particularly in tourism-related ventures such as luxury private islands, eco-friendly resorts, and integrated tourism projects. He pointed out that the recently passed Foreign Investment Act and the establishment of special economic zones make the Maldives an attractive destination for investors, ensuring smoother and more secure investments.
A significant portion of the President’s speech was dedicated to regional development, especially beyond the capital. He announced plans to add 6,000 new tourism beds in Addu City and over 10,000 beds in Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu over the next five years, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth. The development of the northern region, supported by the new Hanimaadhoo International Airport, was also highlighted as a promising area for tourism expansion.
In terms of sustainability, President Muizzu reaffirmed that environmental stewardship remains at the heart of the Maldives’ tourism strategy. As the country faces the pressing challenges of climate change, he stressed that tourism can and should play a role in uplifting communities and protecting fragile ecosystems. “We aim to create a model where tourism, community well-being, and conservation coexist in harmony,” he said.
The President also pointed to ongoing efforts to increase the frequency of direct flights between India and the Maldives, which he believes will strengthen people-to-people contact and boost commercial and cultural exchanges.
In his concluding remarks, President Muizzu called for stronger public-private-community partnerships, highlighting India’s rich history of community engagement. He encouraged Indian companies to take an active role in the Maldives’ growth strategy, which focuses on ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach all Maldivian people.
“Together, we can create opportunities that drive economic prosperity, uplift our island communities, and make tourism a true vehicle for positive change,” President Muizzu said, closing on an optimistic note about the future of India-Maldives relations.
